NSU vs. UVa-Wise

Comparable Facts

Compare Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA with University of Virginia's College at Wise in Wise, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norfolk State University is larger than UVa-Wise based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 2,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); University of Virginia's College at Wise is in Wise, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Virginia's College at Wise is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; University of Virginia's College at Wise 14:1.

NSU vs. UVa-Wise Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or UVa-Wise? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Norfolk State University than UVa-Wise ($9,124 vs. $14,378).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 9.6% lower than at University of Virginia's College at Wise ($11,591 vs. $12,816).
• University of Virginia's College at Wise is 15.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $1,600 more per year; $11,780.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.2% higher at UVa-Wise than at Norfolk State University (about $6,328 more per year; $28,010.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Virginia's College at Wise than at Norfolk State University (99% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 22.8% larger than aid received by University of Virginia's College at Wise students ($15,056 vs. $12,262).

NSU vs. UVa-Wise Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or UVa-Wise? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UVa-Wise and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Virginia's College at Wise (1030) is 100 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming UVa-Wise students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030; University of Virginia's College at Wise 945/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22; University of Virginia's College at Wise 18/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; UVa-Wise - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027; UVa-Wise Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UVa-Wise students have a 0.67 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than UVa-Wise (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 15.1% at UVa-Wise.

NSU vs. UVa-Wise Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and UVa-Wise? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Virginia's College at Wise's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from University of Virginia's College at Wise earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,100 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Virginia's College at Wise graduates have a $10,173 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($20,827 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, UVa-Wise graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($215 vs. $320).
• More UVa-Wise graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 27%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.